But times are a-changing and cafés are starting to serve high quality cold coffee, just as we're starting to see some sunny weather.

Icing coffee can impair flavour and cause all sorts of problems in terms of acidity and staleness, so while many bean lovers may draw the line at the sugared-up Frappuccino, it's generally conceded there's more of an allowance for sweetness and meddling to correct the flavours when working over ice.

Kaffiene in Great Titchfield Street does iced coffee without damaging the depth and character too much, though founder Peter Dore-Smith admits the chilling process still has an effect on its elegance. The baristas make it with either espresso and milk or espresso and water (but they will allow you a scoop of ice-cream in it if you ask nicely) and they keep cups pre-iced to cool the espresso down quickly without ruining the taste.

Jim Cregan, of Jimmy's Iced Coffee, the supermarket-stocked cold coffee says the way it's served is important too. "If you're having a milky iced coffee, it's best served straight up, ice cold from the fridge. If you're having it cold brewed or as an iced espresso, it's ace straight from the fridge but poured over proper ice cubes,"

Square-cut cubes of ice are essential. "Crushed is not an option. Smoothie style is also not an option," says Cregan. "We're not drinking desserts, here, we're drinking refreshments – the clue is in the title."

Cold brewing coffee involves steeping coffee grounds in room temperature or cold water for an extended period of 12 hours or more. The long filtering process keeps a measured balance and leaves the taste unadulterated, like an espresso.

But whether we want a cold, delicate version of the drink or are happy to pair decent stuff with a few extra delights, London’s coffee is better prepared for summer than ever before.

3/3
London's best iced coffee

With skilled baristas, its own micro-brewery and bottles of fine cold brew, Nude Espresso is unavoidable when thirsty, tired, and very much in Shoreditch.26 Hanbury Street, E1 6QR, nudeespresso.com

Kaffiene

The Australian-come-Kiwi café knows its coffee, and it’s not just good for a flat white.66 Great Titchfield Street, W1W 7QJ, kaffeine.co.uk

Addie’s Thai

Thailand is known for its wonderful iced coffee. Over there it’s flavoured with chicory and grains, a recurrent theme in more sophisticated iced coffee traditions. Addie’s Thai makes a sweet and fragrant iced drink that makes for a great hangover cure.